New to LJ’s and was looking to see if there are any other younger wood workers on here. I am 25 and just getting into woodworking. I have been into it for a few years now and am incredibly into it. I find it as a hobby that I plan on doing for the rest of my life, getting better and better at it as I age.

I was hoping to use this forum to meet other young LJs so could discuss issues that may apply to us more so than other members (insecurities about work quality, lack of funds to buy tooling/materials, not having other “real” friends who are into this “old mans” hobby.

This is not too exclude other LJ posters, especially those new to woodworking, I just wanted to make some contacts with other young woodworkers.

-- It's made of wood. Real sturdy.--Chubbs Peterson

62 replies so far

Well….........I’m going to turn 63 pretty soon. I ride a Harley, road race an RX-7, mountain bike, and love to hike and canoe. But I guess I’m not “young.” On the other hand, I know a lot of things about a lot of things – not because I’m so smart but because I’ve been around and kept my eyes and ears open.

There’s a lot of value to making friends with people your own age and I strongly urge you to do that. However, I hope you keep your mind open to us “old farts” too. In a virtual environment like this you’re as old as someone perceives you to be. If you’re lookig for answers, help and advice it’s ageless. Good advice is good advice.

I’m at a great age, 17.. going on to 18. Started woodworking at age 13 and well stayed with it.I’m self taught, and I buy big toys with my money off my woodworking.When every I walk into a woodcraft or rockler they are pretty excepting to young folks into woodworking.When I go and buy something , a tool, then they look at me…. ? A kid buying a table saw,bandsaw,jointer… what?????

(BentheViking) I might not be your age, but I’m close..right..??Anything you need to talk about give me PM..

27 here. I grew up with a father who was a foreman at a custom millwork company and who did lots of other woodworking both as side work and for fun and family. I lost interest during the whole rebellious teen phase but started to become interested again once I moved away from home. We bought a house last year and I decided to set up a shop. I bought some things, and my dad (who’s now disabled and can’t do woodworking anymore) gave me a bunch of tools and lumber. I’ve only been at it for less than a year, but I love what I’m doing. I plan to start selling some small products in the next month or so, working up to bigger things. If I can make my sawdust addiction self-sufficient, I’ll be one happy guy!

I am also into collecting/restoring/using antique woodworking tools. Ya a lot of my friends are out at the clubs and having their parties while I am sanding the rust off of a 100 year old tool. Man oh Man are they all missing out on the fun! :)

I am 27. I started woodworking when I got my house about a year ago. I’ve always wanted to build furniture but never had the space to do so. The house gave me that opportunity. I’m looking to finish outfitting my shop and learn more.

My father is a handy man do it yourselfer. Remodels, plumbing, etc. I’m a bit more detailed than him and have more patience.

21 here (well 2 days away from being 22). Been interested in fine woodworking for about 7 years, before that my mom says I was building with Legos and cardboard boxes. Took shop in 9th grade and then took a construction class at the local tech school my junior and senior year. Found being out in the field framing and roofing wasn’t my thing, so came back and went back to school for electrical, (work at Home Depot part time in the electrical department). Also started a woodworking business back in Nov, due to building things for businesses them having to report on their taxes, but I’m slowly getting busier, one of very few woodworking businesses in the area now and have learned to never pass up any job not matter how small. All my friends are either into computers or cars.

There are all levels of expertise and experience here, and I think you’ll find most all the LJs to be helpful and responsive. I certainly have. You are right in defining woodworking as a lifelong hobby / persuit. This woodworker has just begun to learn the craft, after making things as needed for a long time.

The one lesson I keep on learning is humility…...... Just about the time when you think you have learned something, the woodworking gods remind you that we all goof.

BTW, age is a relative thing, and is related somehow to attitude. Most all of us have a good one. Looking forward to your first project.

-- -Gerry, Hereford, AZ ” A really good woodworker knows how the hide his / her mistakes.”

30 here , been into it for about 3 years and i cant get enough. I just browsed through your profile .. uconn 08’ ... i graduated in 02’ from uconn. How bout them HUSKIES !!!! Hopefully Paul P can keep our football program headed in the right direction. As fellow alumni i propose that we carve a giant Jim Calhoun to place in front of Gampel (right where our lame mascot stands).

Put aside your notions in regard to quality and expertice, around here you’re not going to get much flack for being new to the hobby, i have actually found it quite the opposite. Most everyone is willing to help out especially a new guy to the hobby. We all gotta start somewhere ya know.